It used to be that Sport Utility Vehicles, or SUVs, were bulky gas-guzzlers that were difficult to manoeuvre and only useful for large families. Those days are long gone, with car-makers evolving the idea to the point where there are SUVs that make sense for every buyer, from the hardy off-roader, to the soccer mom, to the eco-friendly hippie. With something for everyone, it’s also become more difficult to point your finger at one and dub it "The Best". Here are the top 10 SUVs that we think deserve special consideration.
10. Mazda CX-5
A brand-new model that has made quite an impact on the market right away, the Mazda CX-5 manages to have a bit of style in the entry-level SUV segment. With a solid engine and a low centre of gravity, the CX-5 offers a bit of driving enjoyment on top of the things you usually look for in an SUV, like passenger and cargo space. The outside is a step away from the bland, suburban style of the average entry-level SUV vehicle as well, with fierce lines and sporty curves.
9. Land Rover Range Rover
With half a century of history behind it, the Range Rover historically combines great off-road performance with a certain level of posh that allows it to fit in whether you’re going to a rodeo, or rolling down Rodeo Drive. The interior is more opulent than any other in its class, with an incredible audio system, LED mood lighting, and all sorts of other creature comforts. It’s not just about comfort either - a choice from two powerful V8 engines and a lightened chassis make the Range Rover fun on the road and off.
8. Chevrolet Tahoe
One of the few SUVs that still likes to show off its big, burly, truck origins, the Chevrolet Tahoe provides great bang for the buck. It’s heavy and powerful, can handle off-road work, and has seating for up to nine, features that are often hard to find at a bargain price. It is an SUV for folks looking for true utility vehicle that can fit a soccer team while hauling a trailer, with plenty of comfort. It’s not the most exciting vehicle on the road, and the interior is not particularly flexible, but it is a true no-nonsense workhorse that is easy to keep going - plenty of Suburbans and Tahoes with two or three decades of use are still on the road.
7. Porsche Cayenne
Someone, somewhere, wants to be able to take five passengers and their suitcases for a ride at 175 miles per hour. For that person, the slightly ridiculous Porsche Cayenne Turbo S is the choice for 2013. 550 horsepower is on tap, taking the Cayenne Turbo S from a standing start to 60 miles per hour in 4.3 seconds - roughly the same as a standard Corvette. The Cayenne does it with three more passengers and a lot more luxury, but it comes with a price tag that is almost as jaw-dropping as its speed. Of course, if you feel that you don’t need that much power on tap, the Cayenne is also available with smaller, more fuel-friendly engines, as well as a diesel for hauling. All of these have the same amount of luxury and prestige expected from Porsche.
6. Lexus RX Hybrid
30 miles per gallon out of an SUV would have sounded preposterous a decade ago, but it’s on its way to being common place. The charge is being lead by the luxury Lexus RX Hybrid, an efficient sport utility vehicle with a quiet ride and plenty of high-tech goodies inside. This comes at the cost of acceleration, but you won’t care about that extra second or two of 0-60 time when you pull up to the gas pump. The seating is comfortable, with plenty of room for taller adults. The driving performance is tight, with a comfortable ride, but it will never be thought of as sporty. Of course, when you consider that you’re getting the versatility and comfort of a Lexus SUV with the fuel economy of a Honda Accord, there’s no need for a fuel-conscious buyer to look elsewhere.
5. Jeep Grand Cherokee
If you’re planning on taking your driving talents off the paved road, you can’t pick an SUV much more capable than the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The vehicle has a lengthy pedigree, and comes with an assortment of gutsy, high-powered engines. No gas-sipping four-cylinder engines here, the base model comes with a powerful V6 engine, and can be upgrade to a 470-horsepower V8 capable of handling pretty much any road or off-road conditions thrown at it. The Grand Cherokee can also pull large loads, which is sometimes necessary given the slightly below-average cargo space inside.
4. Audi Q5
An agile, confident SUV with a great balance of utilitarianism and luxury, the Audi Q5 has rapidly risen to the top of the class. It provides a high-quality interior with cutting-edge technology, without breaking the bank. A variety of powertrains provide different types of performance to meet a variety of needs - the hybrid is efficient, the supercharged V6 is powerful, and the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine strikes a great balance between the two. Like with all Audis, all-wheel-drive is standard. Giving it a leg up on most of the other entry-level luxury SUVs.
3. Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Mercedes-Benz has always done luxury right, and they weren't going to change that fact when they took on the full-size SUV. The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class has the refinement and sophistication of the top-notch S-class, but with ability to haul seven passengers and tow up to 7,500 pounds. An array of engines, ranging from the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel to the 5.4-litre V8, will suit the needs of any buyer. The driver and passengers won’t notice the performance capabilities when they are swathed in the comforts that Mercedes-Benz is known for.
2. Acura MDX
The only thing keeping the Acura MDX from being the top SUV for 2013 is its value. It is powerful, with 300 horsepower on tap coming from the 3.7-litre V6. Inside is an array of top-of-the-line electronic features, ranging from driving tools to entertainment systems. The MDX has three rows, but the third row isn't suitable for full-sized adults - it’s better used as an addition to the already cavernous storage space in the rear. The quality of the interior is exceptional, and the vehicle comes with Acura’s reputation for reliability and resale value.
1. Honda CR-V
Sure, it’s not incredibly luxurious, nor is it the most spacious on the list. It’s not fast, won’t win a beauty contest, and it’s not an off-road vehicle. No, why is the Honda CR-V the top SUV for 2013? It’s affordable, coming in at a price well within the range of an average buyer. There’s room for five, comfortably, along with their luggage. It’s easy on gas and incredibly reliable, and it’s one of the safest vehicles on the market. The CR-V is durable, easy to maintain, and inexpensive to repair. It is what the sport utility should always strive to be - a perfectly capable vehicle for the everyman (or everywoman).
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